NRCHA Kicks Off Annual World’s Greatest Horseman Competition

The NRCHA World's Greatest Horseman began on Feb. 14, with Jesse Lennox and Metallic Curveball leading the preliminary herd work round with a score of 228. However, last year's champions are hot on their tails fighting for a back-to-back win.

Less than two weeks ago, the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo concluded after nearly one month of action-packed events. The streets, arenas and barns were finally still, but only for a short amount of time. 

Just one week later, the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) moved in and began the festivities of their annual Celebration of Champions and World’s Greatest Horseman Competition. 

This year, entries are as plentiful as ever, and the NRCHA has seen an increase of 18% in their numbers from the 2023 show. Over 1700 stalls are set up in preparation for the influx of horses that are to come over the next two weeks. 

The World’s Greatest Horseman is a competition comprised of four different events, where the cowboy or cowgirl rides the same horse throughout each event. The four events include herd work, reining, steer stopping and cow work. 

The top honors of this competition are some of the most distinguished and sought-after titles to hold in the performance horse industry. A total of 73 horses and their riders will be competing for the title of World’s Greatest Horseman, with the final round on Saturday, Feb. 24, in Fort Worth, Texas. 

In addition to the already large payout given away each year, the NRCHA was able to gain partnerships that put up even more money for the pot. This year, the preliminary’s purse doubled from the previous $40,000 to $80,000, allowing each go-round to pay $10,000 to the champion. 

The competition started with the herd work preliminaries on Wednesday and was intense, with high-marking scores across the board. 

Taking the top honors were Jesse Lennox and Metallic Curveball (2015 Stallion by Metallic Cat) with an impressive 228. This team marked a high score in the herd work preliminary round of 2023 but narrowly missed the cut for the finals. The team is making a promising start at a comeback story for this year's competition.

Last year’s champions of the World’s Greatest Horseman, Phillip Ralls and Call Me Mitch (2011 Stallion by Metallic Cat), tied with $5 million dollar trainer Adan Banuelos and partner Pedal To The Metall (2011 Stallion by Metallic Cat) with 225. Following closely behind in the fourth place spot was none other than Banuelos’ father, Ascencion Banuelos, on Purrn LikeASmoothCat (2013 Stallion by Smooth As A Cat), marking a 223 in the herd work. 

It is clear that the Metallic Cat bloodlines reign supreme in the herd work, being that all but one of the top four placing horses are by the legendary sire. It will be interesting to see the trends throughout each preliminary round and which bloodlines rise to the top of their field. 

The competition will continue with the rein work preliminaries on Saturday, Feb. 17, in the John Justin Arena. 

Reigning champions Ralls and Call Me Mitch, also known as Mitch, have their sights set on nothing less than back-to-back titles. Ralls noted that the competition is full of the best horses and riders, and it takes a special athlete to be able to excel in the Reined Cow Horse events. 

Mitch is credited for his confidence and love for the job, and he passes these traits on to his offspring, who are competing and winning today. The two have a great start towards their goal of a second championship in 2024 and will be one of many to look out for in the battle towards the World’s Greatest Horseman. 

Herd Work Preliminary Round Full Results

1. Jesse Lennox and Metallic Curveball, owned by Rocking P Ranch LLC, 228 points, $10,000 
2/3. Adan Banuelos and Pedal To The Metall, owned by Tom Hill Selman, 225, $5,000
2/3. Phillip Ralls and Call Me Mitch, owned by Estelle Roitblat TTE Living Trust, 225, $5,000
4. Ascencion Banuelos and Purrn LikeASmoothCat, owned by Ascencion Banuelos, 223
5. Brandon Buttars and Cuttin Wright Up, owned by David Beckett, 221
6. Kelby Phillips and Duals Lucky Charm, owned by JB6 LLC, 220.
7. Todd A. Bergen and Smartly Starstruck, owned by McSpyder Ranch, 220
8/9/10. Wade Meador and Red Hotz, owned by Carissa Ann Kimbro, 219.5
8/9/10. Tyson Ray Benson and Wooodya, owned by Southern Ranches, 219.5
8/9/10. Justin Wright and Scooter Kat, owned by Epic Freitas, 219.5
11/12/13. Shadd Parkinson and Whose Tuff, owned by Christa Hampton, 219
11/12/13. Trevor Carter and MC Cowhammer, owned by Bogle Brothers LLC, 219
11/12/13. Todd Crawford and One Time Legend, owned by Larry Hall Cutting Horses LLC, 219
14/15/16/17/18. Veronica Swales on Like Shine Wine, owned by Shaleah Hester, 218.5
14/15/16/17/18. Luke Jones and MR Comin In Hot, owned by Moncrief Quarter Horses LLC, 218.5
14/15/16/17/18. Brady Weaver and SJR Reygun, owned by Gary Ewell, 218.5
14/15/16/17/18. Trey Pool and CWR Sanntonio, owned by Jane Owens, 218.5
14/15/16/17/18. Trent Pedersen and CR Dees Be Tuff, owned by Renee Berrey, 218.5